Three Chiefs’ breakout candidates for the second half of 2020

On the mailbag edition of the Arrowhead Pride Laboratory, we were asked who the breakout candidates were for the second half of the season. Here are the names we came up with.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

It is odd seeing a player with so much production listed as a breakout candidate, right? Well, we’ve yet to see much of the rookie running back in the passing game — and the potential in that space is far from fully realized. It feels as though there has been some load management happening as the Chiefs rolled into the bye week. You’ll likely see a higher usage in the home stretch. It’s his time to shine — especially as a receiver.

L’Jarius Sneed

We’ve been deprived of seeing the rookie cornerback’s continued growth and development that started as promising as any rookie in the 2020 draft class. L’Jarius Sneed had an outstanding start to his NFL career and highlighted that with excellent ball production in a small sample size. By the end of the regular season, Sneed could be the best cornerback on this team. He was trending that direction before his injury — and he will have to catch up a little — but once he does, his impact will be felt on this defense.

Willie Gay Jr.

Another rookie. There is a faction of Chiefs fans desperate to add linebacker talent early in the 2021 NFL Draft. The organization loves Anthony Hitchens, and Gay is who they’re banking on to improve the talent and production on the second level of the defense. Gay — a high pick in his own right — has the talent to impact the game differently than any linebacker on the roster. He has made splash plays behind the line of scrimmage in the run game and in coverage. The ability is undoubtedly there, and this team needs to try to find ways to get him more involved. Coming out of the bye week is a good opportunity for an injection of his talent into more packages on defense. If he gains momentum with playing time, he may make a significant impact late in the season.

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